The preservation of Simmons’ Stables has been an ongoing project since 2002 with no end in sight.

But the dedicated Simmons’ Stables Preservation Fund Inc. takes each new project in stride. Its volunteers and board members are dedicated to the cause, continually making necessary upgrades and restorations while maintaining the historic landmark.

To fund these many projects, the foundation hosts an annual “Barn-B-Que” and auction. It is Simmons’ Stables only fundraiser of the year and it will be returning for its 23rd year Sunday.

“Every year before the Hall of Fame and before the auction, we get involved in some big project,” said Simmons’ Stables Preservation Fund Inc. co-president Bobette Wilson.

And this year is no exception.

While they prepare for Saturday, Wilson and her co-president Mary Littrell have been hard at work painting the barn and replacing old boards as they get ready to install new windows.

Over the years, Wilson has found that the preservation board as well as the community seems to love the stables as much as she does as they have been more than willing to pony up in order to support the preservation of the historic stables.

Whether people contribute to the Barn-B-Que with monetary donations, auction items or simply by attending, the community has made the annual Barn-B-Que a success.

“There’s just something about that big old barn – I don’t know what it is,” Wilson said.

On the menu will be pork steaks made by Tom Usnick, baked beans made by Wilson and coleslaw made by Littrell. Jeannie Novis will bring homemade rolls and pies.

Every year, the Simmons’ Stable Preservation Fund Inc. honors those who have helped the stables with a special recognition and a paver in their honor after lunch.

Honorees are picked by co-presidents Wilson and Mary Littrell in a natural, conversational way, Wilson explained.

“We’ll be standing there just kind of shooting the breeze and I'll say, 'You know, so-and-so has done an awful lot for us,’” Wilson said.

Wilson and Littrell have a running list that they add to every time they think of someone who deserves some credit for their dedication to the stables

This year, they will recognize Don and Michael Rodgers of Rodgers Rental in Centralia, Michelle and Ashley Schafer of Blossoms and Blooms in Mexico and David Pickering Photography in Mexico for their contributions to the foundation’s annual Old Fashioned Christmas.

They will also recognize Jim Wieberg Lawn Services, which took over lawn care at Simmons’ Stables in 2021.

Wilson said they always have two pavers made, one that the guests of honor take home with them, and a duplicate that will live forever at the stables.

Guests are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance at Jim Stubblefield Furniture before the auction, but tickets also will be available at the door.

All proceeds will go to the Simmons’ Stables Preservation Fund Inc. to be put toward the preservation of the 138-year-old barn.

Gates open at noon and there will be a silent auction before lunch, which will commence at 12:30 p.m. Awards will be given after lunch and the live auction will follow.